The Mediating Role of Mother’s Mindfulness and Family Resilience on the Relationship between Behavior Problems of Children with Autism and Mothers’ Psychological Well-Being

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the mediating role of the mother’s mindfulness and family resiliency on the relationship between child with autism spectrum disorder behavior problems and mother’s psychological well-being. Statistical populations of the study were mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder who were 3 to 16 years old in Tehran, Karaj and Qazvin cities. 170 mothers were selected through purposeful sampling. The research tools included Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-Being (RSPWB-18), Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), and Family Resilience Assessment Scale (FRAS). Path analysis showed that mother’s mindfulness and family resiliency played a mediating role in the relationship between child with autism spectrum disorder behavior problems and mother’s psychological well-being. So, it is suggested that psychotherapist not only pay enough attention to the problems of children with ASD but also consider their parent’s mental health, family circumstances and other available sources of support in the society for achieving a comprehensive view of the situation.

Keywords

• asd
• child behavior problems
• family resilience
• mindfulness
• psychological well-being